A rare type of lymphoma that primarily affects the skin of the buttocks, back, or shoulders. The cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown. In its mildest form, it produces a nonitchy, red, scaly rash, which may spread slowly or remain unaltered for many years. In more severe forms, thickened patches of skin, ulcers, and enlarged lymph nodes may develop.
The diagnosis is confirmed with a skin biopsy.
Treatment may include PUVA, radiotherapy, nitrogen mustard, anticancer drugs, and corticosteroid drugs.
An old term for a chronic eruption of the skin characterised by erythematous (see ERYTHEMA) itching plaques (raised patches on the skin resulting from the merging or enlargement of papules – see PAPULE), which, if left untreated, eventually form tumours and ulcers. The disease is now known to be a form of cancer of lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) called T-cell LYMPHOMA. It may be responsive to PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY in its early stages and to RADIOTHERAPY when more advanced.
the most common form of *cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with patches, plaques, and later nodules on the skin. It typically progresses very slowly and can be treated with topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, radiotherapy, or other agents.
The general term applied to diseases due to the growth of fungi in the body. Among some of the simplest and commonest mycoses are RINGWORM, FAVUS, and thrush (CANDIDA). The MADURA FOOT of India, ACTINOMYCOSIS, and occasional cases of PNEUMONIA and suppurative ear disease are also due to the growth of moulds in the bodily tissues. Other forms of mycosis include ASPERGILLOSIS, candidiasis (see CANDIDA), CRYPTOCOCCOSIS and HISTOPLASMOSIS.... mycosis
Health Encyclopedia